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Serena Williams wins praise from fellow pros at Wimbledon after 1st singles match in nearly 4 years
By Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 1, 2026
· 4 min read
There were still serves beyond 120 mph. Plenty of heavy groundstrokes landing within inches of the baseline, too.Serena Williams won plenty of praise about her game from her fellow players at Wimbledon a day after her first singles match in nearly four years.The 44-year-old Williams was beaten 6-...
Key takeaway The 44-year-old Williams was beaten 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 by 20-year-old Maya Joint of Australia in the first round on Tuesday but showed she could be competitive after being away for so long.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
In the Houston area, where tennis enthusiasts are plentiful, Serena Williams' attempted comeback at Wimbledon is being closely watched. As a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, Williams' legacy extends beyond her on-court accomplishments, inspiring a new generation of tennis players in Montgomery County and beyond. Her decision to return to competition at 44, despite the risks of injury, is a testament to her dedication and passion for the sport. For local tennis fans, Williams' story is a reminder that tennis is a lifelong sport, and that players of all ages can find inspiration in her perseverance. As Williams prepares to play doubles with her sister Venus, Houston-area residents will be rooting for the sisters, eager to see if they can add to their impressive collection of titles. The Williams sisters' presence in the tennis world continues to have a profound impact on the sport, and their influence can be felt in local tennis communities throughout the region.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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What is this story about? There were still serves beyond 120 mph. Plenty of heavy groundstrokes landing within inches of the baseline, too.Serena Williams won plenty of praise about her game from her fellow players at Wimbledon a day after her first singles match in nearly four years.The 44-year-old Williams was beaten 6-...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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